If your questions are not covered here or they are more specific, please do not hesitate to call PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433. Our specialist promotions agency team will be glad to provide you with the right answer!

What should I expect from a staff agency if I am short-listed for a role?

The recruitment starts with the submission of your resume. From there you can expect from a recruitment consultant if your skills and experience best match with a vacancy being recruited for. If you aren’t judged to be the most suitable candidate your resume will be retained in their candidate talent database to be matched with future employment opportunities. The Recruiter will then strive to meet you before presenting your application to their client. Through the client’s interview process you’ll be supported by the staffing agency with meeting preparation, continued communication, constructive feedback and salary negotiation advice.

What can I do to improve my resume?

At PromoStaff we offer you a Rapid Resume Builder as a FREE tool to generate a resume that you can then easily edit and update. Also once you have Registered For Work you will be setup with a FREE CareerController profile containing the personality compatibility, career aspirations and attitude towards change and continual learning we have extracted from your resume. You can easily update this profile and also output your profile as a resume with hundred of modern designs. Be mindful that we can only search on information with is accurate and up to date so please ensure you regularly log into CareerController to update your profile, even if you are working, so that we can match with current and future vacancies.

What does a staff agency do?

Recruitment Agencies operate on behalf of their clients the employers. Employment Agencies are external service providers who source candidates for employers to employ directly. Recruitment Companies also frequently offer temporary or contract staffing services where they on-hire (or 'on-sell') candidates, whom the staffing agency employs, to their clients.

Why register with PromoStaff?

With PromoStaff you will be partnering with a character promotions specialist. We understand the employment market and specific requirements of our clients. When you register with PromoStaff you gain access to FREE CareerController tools to assist you manage your career. You will not only become a candidate for more than 11,000 jobs advertised on PromoStaff every year, but also be matched with and be able to apply for millions of jobs sourced via our affiliate network.
The easiest way to register with PromoStaff is to clicking Find Work. You can also apply for jobs that we list on our website. Make sure you have updated your resume before starting the register for work process.

What happens after you have applied for a job through a employment agency?

Recruitment consultants typically manage multiple jobs at once. Candidates resumes are reviewed and short-listed, selected candidates are interviewed by the recruiter and those candidates whom the recruiter believes are suitable for the role will then have their resumes forwarded on to the clients. If the client chooses to interview the candidate this will then be arranged via the recruitment consultant. Often there is testing and assessments, plus sometimes multiple rounds of interviews, before reference checking is conducted by the recruitment agency prior to an offer of employment being presented to the successful candidate. This process can sometime occur quickly, however on average takes between 3 - 5 weeks to take place. It is not usually after a candidate has accepted a role, and in some cases actually starts working, that staffing agencies will then notify other applicants that they were unsuccessful in their application.
Often no notifications are made, with all applicants made aware at the outset of the process that only successful applicants will be contacted by the staffing agency. Don’t despair as you can always call recruitment agencies to ask them about the status of your application and your resume is also usually kept on file in case another role that better suits your skills and background becomes available. You may also be added to a mailing list where you will receive notification about future roles that you can apply for.

What is the difference between a recruitment agency and employment agency?

The distinction between recruitment agencies and employment agencies was historically based on recruitment agencies only offering employment services where they would source candidates on behalf of employers who would then employ the candidates directly. In turn, employment agencies would offer temporary staff or contract staffing services where they would employ the candidate and then on-hire (or on-sell) the candidate to hirers, charging a margin on top of the salary and direct employment costs. Most recruiters operate both services so the distinction is no longer as relevant as it may have been in the past.

Can I just email my resume directly to employment agencies?

Most larger employment agencies use sophisticated databases to search for an identify candidates that match the needs of employers. You need to register on recruitment agency websites in order for your resume to be uploaded into their talent database. Applying for jobs on jobs board such as Seek or Indeed does not necessarily mean you have been registered on their database so it is often worthwhile both applying directly for roles and also registering on a staff agency website. For PromoStaff you should complete your personal details and upload your resume here Find Work
Of course, you may be asked by staffing agencies on occasions to email your resume directly. Sometimes this is because they want your resume in a MS Word (or similar editable) format so that they can remove your contact details from your resume in order to forward it to hirers.

What will PromoStaff do for me?

In simple terms, we work on behalf of thousands of organisations throughout Australia to attract suitably qualified candidates for their temporary and permanent vacancies. PromoStaff will match your personality compatibility, attitude towards change and continual learning and skill set against our clients’ hiring needs. If you are the best fit then you may be shortlisted and invited for either a preliminary interview with PromoStaff, an interview directly with the our employer client or both before an offer of employment is made to the successful candidate.

What sectors or industries do recruitment agencies operate in?

Each year recruitment companies place hundreds of thousands of professional candidates into permanent and contract roles across a broad range of industries and job categories. These include:

Accountancy & Finance

Architecture

Banking & Financial institutions

Construction

Digital Technology

Engineering

Executive Search

Healthcare

HR

IT

Legal

Marketing

Mining

Office Support

Oil & Gas

Property

Sales

Supply Chain & Logistics

No matter what service you are seeking, give PromoStaff a call on (03) 9246 0433 so we can discuss your enterprise's staffing needs.

Do you staffing agencies offer replacement guarantees if things don’t work out?

Absolutely! We do expect candidates we have sourced to be very well matched to the roles. PromoStaff does however guarantee to provide you with an alternative candidate for the same position if the original candidate departs or is dismissed within 3 months. In our experience 3 months provides plenty of time for a candidate to settle nicely into the role. In our experience it’s unusual for carefully recruited and well matched candidate to leave a position. Perhaps our clients’ high retention rate is because we spend so much time carefully matching candidate achievements, motivation, experience, skills and aspirations to your needs in order to source you the perfect candidate.

What are the duties of a recruitment consultant?

Good communication skills are critical to a role as a recruitment consultant. Much of a recruitment consultant's work involves utilising advanced interpersonal skills to build rapport separately with employers and candidates, understand the needs and personality traits of both in order to determine whether there is a good match and then facilitate an interview process.
Recruitment consultants assist companies to identify, select and recruit staff for their vacancies, and help individuals find and gain appropriate employment. Great marketing, sales and persuasion skills are critical to a job as a recruitment consultant.
What does a recruitment consultant do?
Recruitment consultants are also responsible for:

interviewing and assessing prospective applicants and matching them with vacancies

screening candidates and drawing up shortlists of candidates for clients to interview

coordinating interviews

creating and placing advertisements

helping prepare applicants for interviews

building relationships with clients

negotiating employment contracts

headhunting

The background and experience of recruitment consultants is varied with personal characteristics such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, confidence and initiative being the more common traits. For graduates, a degree in any discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession, although a qualification in a relevant subject such as human resources, marketing, psychology, business studies or management is beneficial. For specialist recruitment consultants, qualifications in IT, accountancy or engineering may be required. Key skills for recruitment consultants include:

Verbal and written communication

Good sales skills

Drive & Determination

Commercial awareness

Advanced organisational skills

If you believe you have what it takes to be a fantastic recruitment consultant with PromoStaff visit our Career Contact Us Form and include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Join PromoStaff, one of the fastest growing recruitment agencies in Australia.

How much do recruitment agencies charge?

Other than executive search where an upfront retainer usually charged, recruitment agencies typically don’t charge any upfront fees unless they source a fantastic candidate who starts working for their clients. Employment Agencies typically charge for permanent recruitment a placement fee of between 10% and 27% of the annual salary package of the candidate. For temporary staffing services the margin varies significantly based on such factors as the volume of work, length of the role, candidate salary rate and whether there is a preferred supplier agreement (PSA) in place, and with an average per hour margin of $8 to $35 per hour after direct employment costs.
When calculating temp or contract margins a temp staff agency typically take into consideration such factors as:

How many staff does the client require?

What is the duration of assignment? (if not Permanent)

What is the potential for repeat business?

Will we be added to the Preferred Supplier List (PSL)? Will a Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) be put in place?

Contact PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433 to speak to a Consultant about your company's recruiting needs. Alternatively click on Find Staff or complete a Contact Us enquiry.

What services do a recruitment agency offer?

Recruitment Agencies typically offer a large range of services to their clients, including:

Executive Search or Headhunting – Executive search services involve the payment of a retainer and success-based placement fee for identifying and recruiting highly qualified candidates for senior-level and executive roles often from a particular industry.

Permanent Recruitment – Employment Agencies offer permanent recruitment services where they pre-screen candidates based on your particular skill, experience and background staffing requirements, who if successful in their interview, will be employed directly by the client. Fees for such service for PromoStaff are 10% of the agreed annual salary package which comes with a 3-month replacement guarantee.

Fixed Term Recruitment – Recruitment Companies offer fixed term recruitment services where we will pre-screen and supply suitable candidates who will become your employee for a fixed period of time. PromoStaff fees are based on 10% of the first year’s remuneration package which is applied pro-rata for the contract period up to a maximum of 12 months, with a minimum placement fee of $4,000 payable.

Contract Staff – Recruitment Agencies provide contract recruitment services where they will supply pre-screened candidates who are registered as independent contractors and usually engaged on a day rate. Recruitment Agency fees are based upon a percentage of the day rate that varies according to the period of the contract and agreed day rate.

Temp Staff – Companies with recruitment needs enter into an agreement with a temp agency to fill jobs with appropriately experienced staff. A temp staff agency, also known as a temping agency or temp staffing and recruitment agency, finds and retains talented worker to send out on short or long-term assignments.

Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) Recruitment Services – Employment Services are provided to a business on a pre-agreed fee schedule based on a the staffing agency receiving a large volume of work on an exclusive or semi-exclusive basis.

Contact PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433 to speak to a Consultant about your company's recruiting needs. Alternatively click on Find Staff or complete a Contact Us enquiry.

How is PromoStaff different to other recruitment agencies?

We are consistently ranked in the top 4 staff agencies in Australia for our recruitment systems, service excellence and talent matching capability. Feedback from regular surveys of our clients and candidates is that our consistant delivery of service excellence stems from our focus on:

Services expectations will be communicated, mutually agreed and continuously surpassed

With a vision to providing optimum solutions for uniting jobseekers and employers, PromoStaff aims to be the most awarded recruitment agencies throughout Australia and the preferred career partner of job seekers nationally. At PromoStaff we also carefully select and hire recruitment consultants who embody and are committed to the following core internal values:

Innovation - I will embrace continuous learning. I will strive to continuously think outside the square.

Excellence - I will strive to surpass the expectations of my colleagues and customers.

Teamwork - I will aim to build team work through sharing knowledge, valuing the insights of others and building on others ideas.

Commitment - I will continuously demonstrate my commitment to myself, the company and the wider community to be the best I can be.

Contact PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433 to speak to a Consultant about your company's recruiting needs.

How does PromoStaff source the best character promotions candidates?

After more than 10 years, PromoStaff has earned an Australian wide reputation from candidates for supporting their careers and matching them with roles from some of the largest, and also smallest, employers. With between 200 and 600 new registrations on our PromoStaff.com.au website every week, PromoStaff has a talent database of more 171,000 candidates looking to maximise their career success. Candidates are given FREE access to CareerController where they can manage job applications, see roles that match their requirements and update their profile with the latest experience, achievements and aspirations. We also have access to an affiliate network and jobs boards that provides us with access to millions of capable mascot promo agency, dress-up promotions agency or character promotions candidates, whether your company requires temporary, recruitment agencies or staff agencies staffing services.
Call us on (03) 9246 0433 to discuss your organisation's needs to discover why PromoStaff has a reputation for service excellence as one of the top 9 recruitment companies in Australia.

What happens when I contact a staff agency?

Normally you will be asked about your business, your organisation's staffing needs and your contact details. Role specific questions will also be asked regarding the preferred start date of the role, salary range, skills and experience requirements, working hours, interview preferences and the location. Usually the placement fee will be confirmed or hourly rate quoted on the phone for you to make a decision. This will also be confirmed via email along with a copy of the employment agency terms of business (TOB) outlining the conditions of their services. There is no obligation to use their services at this stage, whereby the onus is on the recruitment agency to source fantastic candidates that meet your recruitment needs in order for them to be paid.
Based upon your agreement to proceed with hiring a candidate or hiring temp staff, you we will be allocate the PromoStaff Consultant who will become your point of contact thereafter. If you have multiple roles, a primary PromoStaff Consultant will be appointed by PromoStaff who will liaise with other specialist consultants within the recruitment company.
Call PromoStaff today on (03) 9246 0433 to outline your business' needs and find out more about how our services can assist you.

Do temp staff employees get paid holidays?

No. You are casually employed by PromoStaff and receive a loading on your salary. You are not entitled to annual leave, sick leave or payment for public holidays.

Do temp staff sign an employment contract?

Yes. The temporary staff agency employs you directly and will therefore expect you to sign an employment contract. Not only will the contract outline your employment status and conditions, it will also include certain restrictions regarding your ability to work directly for, and discussing your salary with, the enterprises that they introduce you to.
When the temp staff agency send you on a role, you cannot accept any other temporary or permanent position with the operation without going through the temp staffing and recruitment agency. Should the company want to hire you permanently, they will pay the temp agency a certain amount to release you from your contract. Typically this is between 12% and 25% of the annual salary package that is offered to you.

How long does it take to hire a temp?

Typically for temp roles the notice period from recruiters to a temp staff agency would typically 2 to 9 days. For some roles such as reception, nursing, laborers and teachers where a staff member is sick, organisations will often call a temp agency on the day that they require someone. For contract and more senior role typically hirers would provide 14 to 30 days' notice in order to secure sufficiently capable and expert staff.

How much money does a temporary staff agency take?

The margin varies according to the temp pay rate and also the length and type of assignment. Often the client is aware of the margin and understands the premium they are paying for the recruitment service. For example, if a temp worker may be paid $30 per hour, the client for which they are working may actually be paying $40 per hour to the temp staffing and recruitment agency for their recruitment services. Of the $10 differece, around 30% to 50% is likely to be attributed to direct employment costs (e.g. superannuation, payroll taxes and Workcover insurance) leaving around $5 per hour margin for the temp agency.

How does a temp staffing and recruitment agency work?

Companies with recruitment needs enter into an agreement with a temp agency to fill jobs with appropriately experienced staff. A temp staff agency, also known as a temping agency or temp staffing and recruitment agency, finds and retains talented worker to send out on short or long-term assignments.

What is temp to perm?

‘Temp-to-perm’ is an industry terms for temp staff assignments that start as temporary, but could lead to being permanently employment by our client. We often offer this type of role. A company will us to find a candidate to fill a role temporarily, with an eye to possibly making them permanent if they are suitable. Often your salary expectations would be communicated to the client by your PromoStaff Consultant at the outset of the assignment. There is never any guarantee that that a temp staff role will go temp-to-perm and as a temp you are not obliged to accept a direct employment offer if one is made.

How do temping agencies make their money?

Temping Agency make their money in different ways. They take a percentage of the temp staff or contact salary. They also charge a placement fee to their clients of between 10% and 20% of the annual salary for any roles that go from temp-to-perm.

How often do temps or contractors get paid?

You will be paid by PromoStaff every second Friday. This means you are paid on the Friday for work completed both the week prior and 2 weeks prior. You are effectively been paid 1 or 2 weeks in arrears based on your time-sheet been approved by your supervisor. You will receive a pay slip with monies transferred out of PromoStaff's bank account Friday AM and transferred into your account over the course of the Friday (usually early in the morning with most banks).

What happens if I am offered a role as a temp?

You will have already been interviewed by PromoStaff and also usually our client so you should already be aware of the hourly salary, location of the role and other details. In some cases where a role needs to be filled at short notice, a PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant will provide this information over the phone and then follow-up with an email. Please confirm your acceptance of the role via email.
If you have not worked for PromoStaff you will receive a separate email inviting you to setup your bank, super, tax and personal details in our time-sheet payroll portal. Please ensure you do carefully do this, as you will thereafter be completing a weekly online time-sheet and paid on a fortnightly basis on every second Friday.

How much will I get paid?

The hourly rate is based on an agreed charge out rate with our client. PromoStaff will pay your salary, Superannuation, State Payroll Tax and Workcover and then make a small margin. This is agreed with your PromoStaff Consultant in advance of you accepting an assignment – including you having the right to specific your hourly salary and annual salary expectations (should there be an opportunity to switch to working directly for our client) - and generally doesn’t change unless the nature of the role changes or the assignment stretches over 11-months.
If you believe the role you agreed to had changed please let us know. Your PromoStaff Consultant will be happy to look at rate increases if they are justified and we can secure agreement from our client. Remember your hourly rate is highly confidential (a condition of your employment) - as such you should only discuss it with your PromoStaff Consultant.

How long do temp assignments normally last?

You will normally be told by your PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant advance of accepting the assignment how long the assignment is expected to last. We sometimes have 1-day assignments (e.g. assist with reception due to illness), 5 – 13 days (e.g. replace someone annual leave or during busy times), 3 – 4 week assignments (e.g. backup whilst our client employs someone, extended annual leave coverage, special projects) through to 3 – 12 month roles such as maternity leave contracts. Often the exact length of an assignment is not known by our clients and they will advise you whilst you are undertaking an assignment. We will ALWAYS try and provide you with as much notice as possible of when an assignment will end, ideally providing you with a new role or contract immediately thereafter. There are no guarantees however of the length of an assignment with our clients having the right to end the assignment at any stage (as long as they advise us the day prior or pay a minimum of 4-hours on a particular day) based on their own changing needs and your performance. It is not unusual for us to put a great temp or contactor into a 2-week role and 6-months later a full-time is being offered!

What happens on Day 1 of a temp assignment?

You should plan your route ensure you arrive at least 15 min early. Be well researched about the company (including reviewing their website), well briefed by your PromoStaff Recruitment Consultant and ensure you are calm and confident when arrive on Day 1. For most temp or contract roles you have already been selected because you already have the aspirations, experience, personality and achievements to undertake the role. You are therefore expected to get up and running very quickly, demonstrating straight away that you are motivated, hard-working, proactive and conscience. Our clients do not want someone who needs to be ‘task-managed’ or who is asking obvious questions about tasks that have already been explained. Our client needs to feel like they couldn’t survive without you after a few hours. This not only ensures your temp role will continue, but also maximizes your chances of securing additional work from PromoStaff or even the chance of being offered a full-time role, if you interested, working directly for our client.

How is my super contribution paid?

You can nominate any approved super fund when you setup your PromoStaff Payroll Profile. We will make superannuation contributions to your nominated super fund every 3-months. If you have not nominated a super fund you will be setup with a super account with our default super fund SunSuper who you can call directly on 13 11 84. You will receive information from SunSuper once your accounts is setup following their receipt of a super contribution from PromoStaff on your behalf.

Will I get training as a temp?

You have normally been selected as you already possess the personality, skills, aspirations and experience required to undertake the role. Our clients typically expect you to get up and running very quickly, particularly for short-term assignments or roles that don’t require much job specific systems or procured training. Even if you are a character promotions expert, we understand that every organization has its own systems and processes. If there is no formal training program available, ask if there is a manual you can read, whether you can ‘shadow’ someone already undertaking the role or who is the best person to ask questions of. Not only do you want to feel comfortable and confident in your role as quickly as possible, but it is in your best interests to make yourself indispensable to your supervisor and our client as fast as you can!

How do I manage my time-sheet as a temp or contractor?

You can update and ‘Save’ time-sheet every day, however only after you have finished working for a week (with Sunday being the last day) should you ‘Submit’ your time-sheet. Your time-sheet will then be sent automatically via email to your ‘Approver’ (usually your boss) to review and either ‘Approve’ or ‘Reject.’ Assuming the time-sheet is approved you will then be paid by PromoStaff on a fortnightly basis every second Friday. If the time-sheet is ‘Rejected’ you will be provided with a reason and have the opportunity to resubmit it. If you accidentally submit the time-sheet then please call PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433 and we can reset the time-sheet for you.

Can I be setup as a contractor?

Yes. Let us know if you would be setup as a contractor. Your PromoStaff Consultant will ask you some more questions and also adjust your hourly rate upwards as you will be responsible for paying your own superannuation. You will otherwise be setup as a PAYG casual employee on an hourly rate.

What if I am sick?

Call, email or SMS your PromoStaff Consultant by 8am so that they can inform the client and if necessary, find a replacement. If you have been working long-term in a Temp or Contract role is also advisable to let your supervisor know directly via email, SMS or a call. Remember sick leave is not paid.

What if I don't like the temp assignment?

Call your PromoStaff Consultant on (03) 9246 0433 to discuss your concerns. Whether it be your supervisor, colleagues, the work or location, they are in the best position to sort any problems - no matter how trivial it may seem! On some occasions this may be a confidential conversation you are after. In some cases it is simply easier for your PromoStaff Consultant to raise a matter or concern on your behalf directly your supervisor (our client).

Do I have to wear a suit every time?

If in doubt, yes! Your PromoStaff Consultant should tell you what the working environment is like. It is better to be more formally dressed, until you are better informed and can see the general level of presentation of your colleagues.

Do temps get holiday pay?

No. You are casually employed by PromoStaff and are not therefore entitled to holiday pay, sick leave or to be paid for public holidays.

What should I do if I have any safety concerns or I injure myself whilst working?

Your first priority is your personal safety so please remove yourself from danger – making sure you notify emergency services if necessary! Generally, if you are on assignment you should immediately notify your supervisor so that they can remedy the situation as quickly as possible. You should thereafter discuss the matter with your PromoStaff Consultant. Our priority is your safety so at no stage would we expect your personal safety, health or wellbeing to be at risk.
If you believe you have not been effectively inducted, trained or supported on any matter to do with health or safety please also discuss your concerns with your supervisor and thereafter with your PromoStaff Consultant. Also, if you believe you lack the skills, qualification or experience to undertake your assignment in a safe manner it is also your responsibility to notify your supervisor and PromoStaff Consultant immediately! PromoStaff will ensure that, where relevant:
The host employer provides a safe working environment supported with correct health and safety processes and training

We will conduct a site-specific risk assessment

You will receive specific information relating to the job

You are provided by the host employer site specific induction

You will receive a phone call from your PromoStaff Consultants on your first day with the host employer to ensure you are both happy in the role but also feel your personal safety and wellbeing is not jeopardized or at risk

You will receive regular contact from your PromoStaff Consultant throughout the duration or your placement

You will have the means to report any safety issue or injury to PromoStaff on (03) 9246 0433

For more information about the PromoStaff Health & Safety Policy clicker here.

What if I miss the timesheet deadline?

You should have submitted your time-sheet by 5pm on the Sunday each week you have worked. If you have missed your timesheet deadline please call your “&AE7&” Consultant immediately! Remember no approved timesheet no pay!

Can I get time off?

Unless arranged in advance with your PromoStaff Consultant of you accepting a temp assignment, we would not expect you to need time off in short-term assignments (i.e. less than 2 weeks). If you are attending interviews for permanent jobs, they should be made outside of normal business hours where possible. Otherwise, always check with your PromoStaff Consultant first (not the client) no matter how little time off is needed so that we can liaise with our client.

What happens if I have a payroll question?

Firstly you can update and self-manage your own payroll profile. If you need to update your tax status, bank account details or super fund then please login into your PromoStaff Payroll Profile. If you have any concerns about your time-sheet approval please contact your PromoStaff Consultant on (03) 9246 0433. For issues with payment summaries, pay slips or the support of incorrect pay information please call PromoStaff and ask to be transferred to the Finance & Payroll Office. You can also submit any queries or concerns in the Payroll Contact Us Form and we will respond as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns or questions about your superannuation please contact your preferred fund directly. If you do not have a fund then please visit SunSuper or call 13 11 84.

Can I look for permanent work while I am temping?

Absolutely. Make sure your PromoStaff Consultant understands your needs, as we may be able to place you into a permanent position or even negotiate a temp-to-perm opportunity with the temp role you are currently working in.